Victorian employers who put workers' lives at risk are being warned as WorkSafe continues to lead the nation in the enforcement of workplace health and safety breaches.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll today launched WorkSafe's stronger, more targeted approach to tackling workplace harm across the state.
It follows new data showing WorkSafe's 123 successful workplace health and safety prosecutions in 2024-25 led to $12.4 million in fines and undertakings being ordered by the courts - $1.1 million more than the previous financial year.
Inspectors also conducted 57,600 workplace inspections and issued almost 16,300 compliance notices in the past 12 months, up from 50,177 inspections and 13,943 compliance notices the previous financial year.
The new targeted approach will focus on five high-risk industries - healthcare and social assistance, construction, government, agriculture and manufacturing - which accounted for nearly 60 per cent of workplace deaths and injuries over the past five years.
Tailored compliance programs will ensure employers understand their health and safety responsibilities and have the information, education, and systems they need to create safer workplaces and prevent physical injuries and psychological harm.
Criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and potential imprisonment await employers who fail to meet their legal obligations to protect workers' lives.
As well as outlining key priorities for the next year, WorkSafe's 2025-26 Statement of Regulatory Intent will also focus on eliminating the most dangerous workplace hazards while improving safety consultation and mental health protections across all Victorian industries.
For more information please visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/statement-regulatory-intent-2025-26
As stated by Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll
"Every workplace death is unacceptable - that's why we are working towards a future of zero deaths and zero excuses."
"If a worker dies on your watch due to negligence, you risk criminal charges. We will not tolerate employers who gamble with workers' lives."
As stated by WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer Sam Jenkin
"WorkSafe has set ambitious prevention targets for the next five years to reduce work-related fatalities by 30 per cent and injuries by 20 per cent, but we know we can't do it alone."
"We have engaged with key stakeholders to set our strategic direction and will use a range of tools - including education, awareness-building and collaborative initiatives - to influence change and improve safety across priority areas."
